“The goal is to get it wrong as many times as possible — because that’s how you get it right.”
Episode Overview
5 Takeaways from Steven Bartlett:
1. Incentivize Failure, Not Success
Steven’s “failure team” shows that rewarding experiments instead of outcomes drives faster learning. More failures mean more feedback—and ultimately, more innovation.
2. Be Romantic About Winning, Not Being Right
Clinging to your original idea can blind you to what your audience actually wants. Detach from ego, follow the data, and stay focused on outcomes, not proving yourself correct.
3. Sweat the Small Stuff (The 1% Rule)
Big breakthroughs often come from small, overlooked details—like a 10-second change that tripled subscribers. Compounding tiny improvements creates massive long-term gains.
4. Push on Paper Walls
Most conventions (“this is how it’s done”) are outdated habits. Question them. If you try a different approach to ad reads, hooks, or formats, you might uncover something uniquely yours.
5. Relationships Outlast Revenue
Steven turned down $100M because happiness and relationships mattered more than money. For creators, long-term success comes from protecting your time, principles, and the people around you.
Shownotes
Introduction
Colin & Samir introduce Steven Bartlett as the surprise final guest at Press Publish NYC, highlighting his show’s rapid rise to become one of the biggest podcasts in the world.
The “Failure Team” Concept
Steven explains the idea of a dedicated failure and experimentation team, led by a “Head of Failure,” tasked with running and tracking experiments to speed up learning.
Disrupting Yourself Before Others Do
Steven’s philosophy: creators are always being disrupted, so it’s better to be the driver of your own bulldozer than be run over by someone else.
Early Life & Scarcity Mindset
Steven shares his upbringing in Plymouth, ADHD diagnosis, early businesses, and how scarcity fueled his drive and self-belief.
Turning Down $100M
The principles behind rejecting a nine-figure acquisition offer: owning decisions, controlling ad load, and prioritizing happiness over money.
The Role of Relationships
Why time with friends and family matters more than financial milestones, and why relationships are the true measure of success.
Saying No & Protecting Time
How Steven uses principles, reflection, and writing to decide which opportunities to accept—and how meditation and perspective shape better decisions.
The 10-Second YouTube Tweak
A small change in call-to-action language that led to a 300% subscriber increase—why avoiding clichés keeps your content fresh.
Principles for Creators
Steven’s creator principles: Incentivize failure & experimentation; Sweat the small stuff (the 1% rule); Celebrate tiny gains that compound over time.
Would Your Younger Self Be Proud?
Steven reflects on self-belief, learning not to “miss the easy shots,” and why building confidence creates upward reinforcing cycles.
Building Teams & Culture
Steven’s role as “Head of Recruitment,” why the first 10 hires shape everything, and how culture spreads across his organization.
Pushing on Paper Walls
Why questioning conventions (like ad reads, phrasing, or formats) can unlock breakthroughs.
The Pre-Watch System
How his team tests retention before publishing by running episodes past thousands of viewers, tracking eye movement, and cutting based on data.
Short Memory, Long Game
Drawing lessons from Roger Federer and goalkeepers: success comes from resilience, moving past losses quickly, and staying focused on the next point.
Closing Reflections
Steven leaves the audience with the reminder that everything comes down to relationships, principles, and being willing to disrupt yourself.
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